Yeremy Pino Assesses Crystal Palace's Chances in the Conference League Final. Crystal Palace footballer Yeremy Pino spoke about preparations for the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. He explained why he does not consider his team the favorite and shared his expectations regarding a possible call-up to the Spanish national team.
The Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano became one of the main topics of the week in Spanish football. Yeremy Pino, midfielder of the London club, stated directly that he does not consider his team the clear favorite in the upcoming match. According to him, despite the difference in budgets and status, anything can happen in a single game, and underestimating the opponent is unacceptable.
Pino noted that Rayo Vallecano played at a high level in their last eight matches and deservedly reached the final. He emphasized that in such games, attitude and commitment are often decisive, not just the lineup or the value of the players. The footballer also pointed out the similarity in club spirit and fan support: both teams represent working-class districts and can count on strong support from the stands.
Speaking about his first full campaign in England, Yeremy Pino admitted that moving from Villarreal to Crystal Palace was a serious challenge for him. He noted that the level of physical contest and tempo in the Premier League is significantly higher than in LaLiga, and it took a long time to adapt. Nevertheless, according to him, coach Oliver Glasner managed to create a united team that over the past two years has won the Community Shield and the FA Cup, and is now fighting for a new European trophy.
In the interview, Pino said that adjusting to life in London was not without difficulties, but advice from former compatriots, notably David Silva, helped him settle in faster. He also admitted that he never revealed the reasons for leaving Villarreal, but stressed that he always gave his all for the club and is grateful for the years he spent in Spain.
An important topic was the possible trip to the World Cup. Yeremy Pino admitted that he is not making vacation plans, waiting for a decision from the Spanish national team’s coaching staff. He noted that being named to the squad would be a great honor for him and his family, but for now he prefers not to make guesses and to focus on training.
Pino also spoke separately about the coach’s role and tactical specifics. According to him, the system with three central defenders and two wide players requires different work compared to the usual scheme at Villarreal. In England, he said, more attention is paid to challenges for the ball and second efforts, while in Spain the focus is on control and ball possession.
On the eve of the final, the midfielder noted that Crystal Palace has many players who have been called up to their national teams, but Rayo Vallecano also has strong performers and an experienced coach. He emphasized that the opponent’s unbeaten run of eight matches is a sign of their high level.
The conversation also touched on personal relationships with former teammates, particularly with Ilias Akhomach, with whom Pino exchanged messages before the semifinal. He noted that such connections are preserved even after moving to other clubs, and swapping shirts after the final is standard practice.
The topic of injuries and recovery also came up in the interview. Pino admitted that tearing his cruciate ligament was the toughest challenge of his career, especially against the backdrop of successes and the anticipation of major tournaments. However, he managed to return to the pitch and regain his previous level.
In conclusion, Pino expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff and former Villarreal teammates, noting Marcelino's contribution to the club's success. He also commented on rumors regarding possible candidates for the position of Crystal Palace head coach, emphasizing that the team is ready to work with any specialist who joins the squad.
The context of Spanish clubs fighting for European cups and domestic tournaments remains relevant: recently Alejandro Davidovich shared his expectations for the season and changes in the team, highlighting the general attitude of Spanish athletes on the international stage.
For reference: the Conference League is the third most important European club tournament, established by UEFA in 2021. Last season, Chelsea won the trophy, and the winner qualifies to play in the UEFA Super Cup. The final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano generated great interest both in England and in Spain, where success in European competitions is traditionally regarded as a major achievement for clubs and their fans.
